Question

Which of the compounds in Problem 14 can exist as enantiomers?

Short answer

The compounds that can exist as an enantiomer are:

a)Enantiomer

b) Not Enantiomer

c)Enantiomer

d) Not Enantiomer

e) Not Enantiomer

f)Enantiomer

Step-by-step solution

The Enantiomer.

A pair of enantiomers will exist if the compound has an asymmetric center or a chiral carbon. So the mirror images of compounds don’t superimpose.

Chiral objects are those objects which have no same mirror images. The mirror images don’t superimpose each other. The compounds whose mirror images superimpose each other that compounds are called achiral objects.

Subpart (a)

Here, the central carbon atom is attached to one H-atom, one Cl-atom, one CH₃ , and one CH₂ CH₃ group.

As the four groups attached are different, this is an asymmetric center, and therefore the pair of enantiomers will exist.

Subpart (b)

Here, the central carbon atom is attached to one H-atom, twoCH₃ , and one CH₂CH₃ group

Because of the similarity between two CH₃ groups, this compound cannot be chiral and does have not an asymmetric center. Therefore, no enantiomer exists.

Subpart (c)

Here, the central carbon atom is attached to one Br-atom, oneCH₃ , one and CH₂ CH₃ one CH₂ CH₂CH₃ group.

As the four groups attached are different, this is an asymmetric center and therefore the pair of enantiomers will exist.

Subpart (d)

CH₃ CH₂OH

Here, the central carbon atom is attached to two H-atom, one CH₃ , one OH group.

Because of the similarity between the two H-atoms, this compound cannot be chiral and have not an asymmetric center. Therefore, no enantiomer exists.

Subpart (e)

Here, the central carbon atom is attached to one Br-atom, one H-atom and two CH₂ CH₃ groups.

Because of the similarity between the two CH₂ CH₃ groups, this compound cannot be chiral and have not an asymmetric center. Therefore, no enantiomer exists.

Subpart (f)

Here, the central carbon atom is attached to one H-atom, one CH₃ , one amine NH₂ and one ethene CH=CH₂ group.

As the four groups attached are different, this is an asymmetric center, and therefore the pair of enantiomers will exist.